Importance Of Health Care Services

Healthcare Services – Introduction

Healthcare services are one of the most widely recognised and used services. Healthcare is the improvement of health through diagnosis, treatment, prevention of disease and other physical as well as mental impairments in human beings. Health care is delivered by health professionals in various medical professions, physicians, dentists, nursing, pharmacy etc. Health care delivery can be classified into Primary, Secondary and tertiary services.

a. Primary care – this refers to work of health professionals who act as first point of consultation within the system. Depending on the surroundings, health system organization, and sometimes at the patient's choice, they may consult another health care professional

Secondary care – It is the service provided by medical specialist, dentist and generally do not have first point of contact with patients. It is also known as ‘Hospital care’. It includes specialised care which includes necessary treatment for a short period of time for a brief but serious sickness, injury or other health condition, such as in a hospital emergency section. It also includes skilled performance during childbirth, medical imaging services and intensive care.

c. Tertiary care – It is specialized consultative health care, mostly for inpatients and on referral from a primary or secondary health professional. It has a facility that has personnel and facilities for advanced medical treatment and investigation, such as a tertiary referral hospital. For example – cancer management, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, advanced neonatology services, treatment for severe burns, palliative, and other complex surgical

The product, or delivery system may be inappropriate or inadequate, or the staff may act poorly. The environment can also cause service failures. If the patient thinks the temperature of surroundings is cold, the smell of antiseptic is strong, the exam or waiting rooms are dirty, or the parking lot is dark and far, the patient will feel unhappy about these kind of failures. Staff can bring about various service failures when they are unfriendly or rude, inexperienced or poorly trained, and not occupied with information. The service product setting, staff and delivery system must be efficiently managed to minimize the possibility of a service